Local Business Highlight – Advanced Builders

by | Sep 3, 2026 19:40 | Local

Advanced Builders is a diversified construction and general contracting company serving residential and commercial projects locally and across the North Island.

The company offers services covering the construction process from pre-construction planning and contract administration to construction, renovation and restoration.

Advanced Builders says its approach allows clients to work with a coordinated team throughout a project, with a focus on timely completion, cost-effective execution and quality control.

The company brings together experienced professionals and specialized teams from across the construction industry, working collaboratively through the design and building process.

For Advanced Builders, construction is about more than the physical structure. The company emphasizes collaboration with employees, clients and local communities, viewing strong working relationships as an important part of every project.

Building trust is also a stated priority, with the company emphasizing honesty, safety and accountability in its relationships with clients and partners.

Advanced Builders also says it looks for intelligent and more sustainable approaches to construction wherever possible.

With experience spanning new construction, renovations and restoration, the company provides services for a range of residential, commercial and historical projects across the North Island.

For property owners, businesses and organizations in communities such as Sayward, the company offers a local option for managing construction projects from planning through completion.

Visit www.Advanced-Builders.ca for more info.

Local Resort Seeks Water Taxi Skipper

by | Sep 2, 2026 23:04 | Jobs

A local resort is looking for an experienced boat operator to take on an important role connecting guests with destinations along the region’s waterways.

The position calls for a qualified water taxi skipper capable of operating a workboat in the coastal waters surrounding Sayward. The successful applicant will be responsible for safely transporting guests and potentially equipment while providing reliable service in a rugged marine environment.

The job offers an opportunity for an experienced mariner to work in one of the North Island’s most scenic settings, where forested shorelines, mountains and sheltered coastal waters are part of the daily commute.

The vessel used for the operation is equipped for more than passenger transportation, with an enclosed cabin and substantial open deck space suitable for hauling equipment. The boat is also configured to handle the demands of operating in local coastal conditions.

For someone with the appropriate marine qualifications, experience and a strong commitment to safety, the position could offer a unique opportunity to combine professional boating with life on the North Island.

Interested applicants should contact Martin Lareau directly for information about the position, required qualifications and application details.

Parliamentary Records Show Local Journalism Funding Flowed to Major Canadian News Outlets

by | May 26, 2026 03:55 | National

Parliamentary records suggest that federal funding intended to support underserved communities through Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative has been distributed to a number of large, well-established media organizations.

The program, originally introduced as a way to strengthen coverage in regions lacking sufficient local news reporting, has been presented by the federal government as a means of addressing “news deserts” and improving access to civic information in smaller communities.

However, documents tabled in Parliament following a written question from Conservative MP Arpan Khanna indicate that significant portions of funding have gone to major urban newsrooms, including outlets such as the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, and Winnipeg Sun, among others.

Khanna’s request sought detailed information on the program since 2019, including how funds were distributed, which intermediary organizations administered payments, and the final recipients, along with associated amounts, dates, and locations.

The response revealed that funding was delivered through intermediary organizations, including News Media Canada and the Community Radio Fund of Canada, which then allocated resources to participating media outlets.

Among the reported recipients were a mix of regional and national publications, including:

  • $408,468 to Le Droit
  • $347,172 to The Hamilton Spectator
  • $338,880 to Winnipeg Free Press
  • $282,062 to Telegraph-Journal
  • $257,576 to The Telegram
  • $236,844 to The Guardian
  • $202,152 to Winnipeg Sun
  • $171,664 to Peterborough Examiner
  • $158,277 to Toronto Star
  • $138,125 to Daily Gleaner
  • $30,750 to The Globe and Mail

Critics argue that the inclusion of major metropolitan newspapers raises questions about how “local” need is defined within the program, given its original emphasis on underserved or rural communities.

The initiative’s structure, which relies on third-party organizations to distribute funds rather than direct federal payments to media outlets, has also drawn attention. Supporters say this model helps administer funding efficiently across a broad range of applicants, while critics argue it reduces transparency around final allocations.

News Media Canada, one of the intermediary organizations involved, has previously described the initiative as essential for sustaining local journalism, particularly in smaller communities where newsrooms face financial pressure.

The Local Journalism Initiative was initially scheduled to conclude in 2024 but has since been extended, with additional federal funding approved to continue the program.

The broader debate over the initiative reflects ongoing tensions in Canada’s media policy landscape, including questions about how to define local journalism, how funding should be distributed, and what role government should play in supporting news organizations.

While supporters argue the program helps preserve access to journalism in communities that might otherwise go unserved, critics contend that the inclusion of large, established outlets complicates the program’s stated purpose and raises concerns about fairness and accountability in media subsidies.